In Freida McFadden's psychological thriller "The Housemaid," Millie, the Winchesters family's maid, cleans and maintains the home daily. She tidies all the mess up, attends to their daughter, and feeds them all while she takes care of Nina, whose peculiar behavior spins the main character into daydreaming about a different life. Tempted by luxury, she briefly dons Nina's dress, triggering unforeseen consequences. Secrets unfold, and the main character struggles for her real identity and disturbing abilities.  

McFadden crafts a tense tale with an unexpected ending that will delight the fans of psychological suspense, similar to that by Ruth Ware and Lisa Jewell. 

The Author

McFadden, a renowned psychologist and brain injury specialist, writes about psychological thrillers and medical humor novels and has sold millions of copies. She has won many awards, including the International Thriller Writers Award and the Goodreads Choice Award. Her works also frequently top the bestseller lists.

Residing in a centuries-old oceanfront home, Freida crafts suspenseful tales in a setting where creaky staircases echo and screams may go unheard. For more insights into her world, McFadden invites visitors to her website, where she amusingly discusses herself in the third person.

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A Thrilling Rollercoaster of Twists and Turns

"The Housemaid" is a gripping and thrilling story that eludes expectations - as one review claims. The story follows the life of Millie, a housemaid with her own share of problems in a wealthy household under its headmistress, Nina Winchester. The plot remains engaging throughout because of its well-developed twists, which are also very exciting for the reader.

A significant mid-book revelation, unforeseen by the reviewer, adds depth to the narrative and the characters. Described as "unputdownable," the book's writing style and compelling storyline kept the reviewer genuinely absorbed, fostering a desire to read continuously.

An article on "The Housemaid" indicates that the novel surprises the reader with unexpected twists, deviating from initial expectations. The reviewer, intrigued by McFadden's name in the thriller genre, found the book to be a quick, engaging read that did not disappoint. The plot, marked by a chilling atmosphere and dramatic revelations, kept the reader consistently drawn in.

The narrative explores the complexities within the Winchesters household, exposing secrets, lies, and unsettling behaviors. Despite the reviewer predicting a general direction, the story unfolded with unforeseen twists, a rare occurrence in thrillers. While not entirely realistic, the book's resolution was well-executed, wrapping up the narrative effectively. Overall, "The Housemaid" is recommended for a captivating and relaxing thriller experience, especially for those who enjoy a touch of rich-people problems in the plot. The reviewer plans to explore more of McFadden's works and recommends the audio version, narrated by Lauryn Allman. 

In conclusion, the book offers a riveting and compelling domestic thriller experience, perfect for a one-sitting read. The novel features two distinct narrators, Millie and Nina, each contributing to the suspenseful plot. The story incorporates classic thriller elements such as gaslighting, spousal abuse, manipulation, and desperation. Strong characterization enhances the relatability of both narrators. For readers who appreciate major plot twists, robust characters, and bone-chilling domestic thrillers, "The Housemaid" is a highly recommended read.

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